Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP)

EPA provides Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) financial and technical assistance to tribal governments and intertribal consortia to assist tribes in planning, developing, and establishing the capacity to implement federal environmental programs administered by the EPA and to assist in implementation of tribal solid and hazardous waste programs in accordance with applicable provisions of law, including the Solid Waste Disposal Act (commonly known as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA). See the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. §4368b). EPA administers this program in accordance with the statute, applicable federal regulations, including 40 CFR part 35, subpart B (Environmental Program Grants for Tribes), and national guidance, including the 2022 Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) Guidance on Financial Assistance Agreements (referred to as GAP Guidance). EPA’s 2022 GAP Guidance provides a consistent national framework for building tribal environmental program capacity under GAP and is designed to improve the management of GAP resources. The 2022 GAP guidance reflects statutory and regulatory requirements, including binding requirements and federal policies, that address how GAP funds are used and managed.